Tin oxide filled dimethylsiloxane-fluoroalkylsiloxane fuser roll for fixing toner to a substrate

ABSTRACT

A fuser member useful for heat-fixing an electrographic toner to a substrate, a composition of matter and a preparation method. The fuser member has a core and a base cushion layer overlying the core. The base cushion layer includes a crosslinked poly(dimethylsiloxane-fluoroalkylsiloxane) elastomer that has tin oxide particles dispersed therein in a concentration of from 20 to 40 percent of the total volume of the base cushion layer.

This is a Divisional of application Ser. No. 08/268,131, filed 29 Jun.1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,703.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a fuser member useful for heat-fixing aheat-softenable toner material to a substrate. More particularly, theinvention relates to a metal oxide filledpoly(dimethylsiloxane-fluoroalkylsiloxane) fuser member having improvedstability under conditions of elevated temperature and cyclic stress.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Heat-softenable toners are widely used in imaging methods such aselectrostatography, wherein electrically charged toner is depositedimagewise on a dielectric or photoconductive element bearing anelectrostatic latent image. Most often in such methods, the toner isthen transferred to a surface of another substrate, such as, e.g., areceiver sheet comprising paper or a transparent film, where it is thenfixed in place to yield the final desired toner image.

When heat-softenable toners, comprising, e.g., thermoplastic polymericbinders, are employed, the usual method of fixing the toner in placeinvolves applying heat to the toner once it is on the receiver sheetsurface to soften it and then allowing or causing the toner to cool.

One such well-known fusing method comprises passing the toner-bearingreceiver sheet through the nip formed by a pair of opposing rolls, atleast one of which (usually referred to as a fuser roll) is heated andcontacts the toner-bearing surface of the receiver sheet in order toheat and soften the toner. The other roll (usually referred to as apressure roll) serves to press the receiver sheet into contact with thefuser roll. In some other fusing methods, the configuration is variedand the "fuser roll" or "pressure roll" takes the form of a flat plateor belt. The description herein, while generally directed to a generallycylindrical fuser roll in combination with a generally cylindricalpressure roll, is not limited to fusing systems having members withthose configurations. For that reason, the term "fuser member" isgenerally used herein in place of "fuser roll" and the term "pressuremember" in place of "pressure roll".

The fuser member usually comprises a rigid core covered with a resilientmaterial, which will be referred to herein as a "base cushion layer."The resilient base cushion layer and the amount of pressure exerted bythe pressure member serve to establish the area of contact of the fusermember with the toner-bearing surface of the receiver sheet as it passesthrough the nip of the fuser member and pressure members. The size ofthis area of contact helps to establish the length of time that anygiven portion of the toner image will be in contact with and heated bythe fuser member. The degree of hardness (often referred to as "storagemodulus") and stability thereof, of the base cushion layer are importantfactors in establishing and maintaining the desired area of contact.

In some previous fusing systems, it has been advantageous to vary thepressure exerted by the pressure member against the receiver sheet andfuser member. This variation in pressure can be provided, for example ina fusing system having a pressure roll and a fuser roll, by slightlymodifying the shape of the pressure roll. The variance of pressure, inthe form of a gradient of pressure that changes along the directionthrough the nip that is parallel to the axes of the rolls, can beestablished, for example, by continuously varying the overall diameterof the pressure roll along the direction of its axis such that thediameter is smallest at the midpoint of the axis and largest at the endsof the axis, in order to give the pressure roll a sort of "bow tie" or"hourglass" shape. This will cause the pair of rolls to exert morepressure on the receiver sheet in the nip in the areas near the ends ofthe rolls than in the area about the midpoint of the rolls. Thisgradient of pressure helps to prevent wrinkles and cockle in thereceiver sheet as it passes through the nip. Over time, however, thefuser roll begins to permanently deform to conform to the shape of thepressure roll and the gradient of pressure is reduced or lost, alongwith its attendant benefits. It has been found that permanentdeformation (alternatively referred to as "creep") of the base cushionlayer of the fuser member is the greatest contributor to this problem.

One type of material that has been widely employed in the past to form aresilient base cushion layer for fuser rolls is condensation-crosslinkedpoly(dimethylsiloxane) elastomer. "Poly(dimethyl-siloxane)" willsometimes be alternatively referred to herein as "PDMS". The prior arthas also taught or suggested that various fillers comprising inorganicparticulate materials can be included in such PDMS base cushion layersto improve their mechanical strength and/or thermal conductivity. Higherthermal conductivity is advantageous when the fuser roll is heated by aninternal heater, so that the heat can be efficiently and quicklytransmitted toward the outer surface of the fuser roll and toward thetoner on the receiver sheet it is intended to contact and fuse. Higherthermal conductivity is not so important when the roll is intended to beheated by an external heat source. Disclosure of such filledcondensation-cured PDMS elastomers for fuser rolls can be found, forexample, in U.S. Pat. Nos, 4,373,239; 4,430,406; and 4,518,655.

Optimal metal-filled elastomer fuser members have long been sought. Atone time, it was predicted that:

"The metal of the metal-containing filler dispersed in the elastomer maybe easily selected by one skilled in the art without undueexperimentation by testing the metal-containing filler, such as a metal,metal alloy, metal oxide, metal salt or other metal compound, in anelastomer. The general classes of metals which are applicable to thepresent invention include those metals of Groups 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a,4b, 5a, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8 and the rare earth elements of the PeriodicTable." (U.S. Pat. No. 4,264,181 to Lentz et al, column 10, lines 42-53;also U.S. Pat. No. 4,272,179 to Seanor, column 10, lines 45-54.)

This prediction of easy selection of the metal for a metal-containingfiller has proven false in the face of latter efforts in the art.

A metal-containing filler which provides good results in one elastomermay provide very poor results in another elastomer, even if theelastomers are very similar. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,264,181 to Lentz et al,good results were obtained when lead oxide was used as a filler invarious fluoroelastomers (Viton E430, Viton E60C, Viton GH; Examples X,XI, XII). In U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,432 to Eddy et al, on the other hand,the use of lead oxide in similar fluoroelastomers (for example, VitonGF) is taught against on the basis that it would produce an unacceptablefuser member. In these fluoroelastomers, cupric oxide is preferred.Similarly, U.S. Patent No. 4,515,884 to Field et al, discloses a fusermember which utilizes metal oxide filled polydimethylsiloxane. The metaloxides are iron oxide and tabular alumina. Calcined alumina is describedas being unsuitable per se. (Column 9, line 50-Column 10, line 47.)

An additional difficulty that has faced those attempting to producemetal-filled elastomer fuser members has recently been identified. Inthe past, it was thought that various materials' suitability for use infuser roll base cushion layers in terms of their stability duringuse--i.e., their ability to resist degradation (as evidenced by weightloss), creep, and changes in hardness, during use in fuser rolls--couldbe determined by subjecting samples of the materials to conditions ofcontinuous high temperature and continuous high stress (i.e., pressure),and then measuring the resultant changes in weight, shape (e.g.,length), and hardness (e.g., storage modulus). However, J. J. Fitzgeraldet al, "The Effect of Cyclic Stress on the Physical Properties of apoly(Dimethylsiloxane) Elastomer", Polymer Engineering and Science, Vol.32, No. 18, (Sep. 1992), pp. 1350-1357; indicates that such testing doesnot accurately portray the stability the materials will exhibit duringactual use in fuser roll base cushion layers and that dynamic testing,with cycles of loading and unloading is necessary. The publication citesother reports showing the same kind of results in studies of otherelastomers. Accordingly, a device called a Mechanical Energy Resolver(sometimes alternatively referred to herein as an "MER") has beendeveloped, which can be used to test samples of materials of interestfor use in fuser roll base cushion layers. The device applies heatcontinuously to maintain the samples at a constant elevated temperature.The device also applies stress to the samples in the form of acompressive force, but does so in a manner such that the amount ofcompressive force applied varies cyclicly (i.e., sinusoidally). Theresults of such testing consistently correlate with, and thereforereliably predict, the degree of stability a material will exhibit in thebase cushion layer of a fuser roll during actual use.

The realization of the need for dynamic testing has promised moreaccurate evaluation of filled elastomers, however, preparation of metalcontaining elastomers remains problematic. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,515,884 toField et al, and 5,017,432 to Eddy et al, cite large numbers of criticalfeatures or important aspects of their metal containing elastomers:choice of material (Field, column 9, lines 50-65 and column 10, lines24-25), interaction of filler surface and elastomer (Field, column 9,lines 32-65), particle size (Field, column 10, lines 1-8 and lines25-30; Eddy, column 9, line 65-column 10, line 3), concentration ofmetal-filler (Field, column 10, lines 9-23 and lines 31-47), capabilityof interacting with functional groups of release agent (Eddy, column 9,lines 26-30), reactivity of the metal filler with the elastomer (Eddy,column 9, lines 33-43), and acid-base characteristics of the metalfiller (Eddy, column 9, lines 43-56). The lists of critical features andimportant aspects in Field and Eddy do not fully correlate. It isunknown whether this difference represents real differences in materialcharacteristics or only differences in techniques and analysis.

One specific example of a condensation-crosslinked PDMS elastomer, whichcontains about 32-37 volume percent aluminum oxide filler and about 2-6volume percent iron oxide filler, and which has been widely used andtaught to be useful in fuser rolls, is sold under the trade name,EC4952, by the Emerson Cummings Co., U.S.A. However, it has been foundthat fuser rolls containing EC4952 cushion layers exhibit seriousstability problems over time of use, i.e., significant degradation,creep, and changes in hardness, that greatly reduce their useful life.The present inventors have also found that MER test results correlatewith and thus accurately predict the instability exhibited during actualuse. Nevertheless, materials such as EC4952 initially provide verysuitable resilience, hardness, and thermal conductivity for fuser rollcushion layers.

Some filled condensation-crosslinked PDMS elastomers are disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,269,740 (copper oxide filler), U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,606(zinc oxide filler), U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,562 (chromium oxide filler),U.S. Pat. No. 5,480,724 (tin oxide filler), U.S. Pat. No. 5,336,539(nickel oxide filler). These materials all show much less change inhardness and creep than EC4952 or the PDMS elastomer with aluminum oxidefiller. U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,606 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,480,724 disclosethat tin oxide filler and zinc oxide filler can provide very goodresults in PDMS.

PDMS elastomers have a particular shortcoming in use. In order toimprove release of toner from the fuser roller during fusing,polydimethylsiloxane fluid, referred to as fusing oil, is commonlyapplied to the fusing roller during use. This can improve releasecharacteristics, but has been found to cause swelling of filled PDMSelastomer base cushions. Unfortunately, the amount ofpolydimethylsiloxane fluid absorbed by the base cushion inside andoutside the paper path tends to differ, resulting in differentialswelling and fusing problems. Alternative fusing oils can be used toreduce swelling; however, those fusing oils are much more expensive.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,970,098 to Ayala-Esquillin et al teaches a condensationcross-linked diphenylsiloxane-dimethylsiloxane elastomer having 40 to 55weight percent zinc oxide, 5 to 10 weight percent graphite, and 1 to 5weight percent ceric dioxide.

It would therefore be very desirable to be able to provide a fusermember with a base cushion layer comprising a condensation-crosslinkedelastomer containing appropriate fillers, wherein the cushion layermaterial will exhibit, under conditions of elevated temperature andcyclic stress, good resistance to degradative weight loss, creep,changes in hardness, and swelling. The present invention meets thisneed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a fuser member useful for heat-fixing anelectrographic toner to a substrate, a composition of matter and apreparation method. The fuser member has a core and a base cushion layeroverlying the core. The base cushion layer includes a crosslinkedpoly(dimethylsiloxane-fluoroalkylsiloxane) elastomer that has tin oxideparticles dispersed therein in a concentration of from 20 to 40 percentof the total volume of the base cushion layer.

The base cushion layer of the fuser member of the invention has beenunexpectedly found to exhibit only minimal weight loss, creep, changesin hardness, and swelling; when subjected to prolonged conditions ofelevated temperature and cyclic stress.

The composition of matter which this invention provides comprises acrosslinked polymer having chains of the general structure: ##STR1##wherein R¹ is fluoroalkyl having from about 1 to 18 carbons and fromabout 3 to 37 fluorine atoms;

R² is alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbons;

x/y is from about 99:1 to 70:30; and

n is an integer such that said chains have a number average molecularweight of from 1×10³ to 1×10⁶ ;

said chains being crosslinked by condensed polyfunctional silanemoieties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention andthe manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the inventionitself will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying figures wherein:

FIG. 1 is a graph of fractional length vs. time and storage modulus vs.time for the material of Example 1.

FIG. 2 is a graph of fractional length vs. time and storage modulus vs.time for the material of Example 2.

FIG. 3 is a graph of fractional length vs. time and storage modulus vs.time for the material of Comparative Example A.

FIG. 4 is a graph of fractional length vs. time and storage modulus vs.time for the material of Comparative Example B.

DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

The metal oxide filled elastomer in the base cushion layer of the fusermember of the invention includes the cured polymer of the invention: apolymer produced by condensation crosslinkingpoly(dimethylsiloxane-fluoroalkylsiloxane) (poly-DMSFAS)) having thegeneral structure: ##STR2##

R¹ is fluoroalkyl having from about 1 to 18 carbons and from about 3 to37 fluorine atoms. R² is alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbons. It iscurrently preferred that R¹ have the general structure:

    --(CF.sub.2 ) .sub.d --CF.sub.3

where d is from 3 to 5. It is currently more preferred that d is 5. Itis currently preferred that R² is methyl.

The value of n can be varied widely depending upon an intended use ofthe crosslinked polymer. For the purposes of a fuser member of theinvention, n is an integer such that the Structure (I) polymer, prior tocrosslinking, has a number average molecular weight of from about 1×10³to 1×10⁶. If the molecular weight were below about 1×10³, the finalcrosslinked poly(DMS-FAS) would have a high crosslink density that wouldmake the material too hard and brittle, and not resilient enough toserve practically in a base cushion layer. If the molecular weight wereabove about 1×10⁶, the final crosslinked poly(DMS-FAS) would be toounstable under conditions of high temperature and cyclic stress (i.e.,there would be too much creep and change in hardness over time), evenwhen filled in accordance with the invention.

The values of x and y are the number of equivalents of dimethyl andfluorosiloxane units, respectively. The ratio x/y can be varied fromabout 99:1 to 70:30. It is currently preferred that the ratio x/y befrom about 98:2 to 80:20 and more preferred that the ratio be from about94:6 to 87:13.

The poly(DMS-FAS) shown in Structure I is itself a condensation product.The poly(DMS-FAS) is produced by condensation crosslinking difunctionalsilanol terminated dimethylsiloxane oligomer or polymer and difunctionalfluoroalkylsilane.

The difunctional silanol terminated dimethylsiloxane oligomer or polymerhas the general structure: ##STR3## The value of x (which determines thenumber of linked dimethylsiloxane units in Structure I) can be variedover a wide molecular range. Generally useful blocks ofpoly(dimethylsiloxane) are from 400 to 18,000 molecular weight. Lowermolecular weight segments of x units allow for a higher incorporation ofthe fluorosilane component for a given molecular weight of Structure I.Silanol-terminated dimethylsiloxane oligomers and polymers and methodsof their preparation are well known. They are readily commerciallyavailable, e.g., from United Chemical (formerly Huls America, Inc.) ofPiscataway, N.J.

The fluoroalkylsilane has the general structure: ##STR4##

The values of R¹ and R² were discussed above. X represents an end groupthat is functional to condense with the hydroxy end groups of thedimethylsiloxane to thereby create siloxane crosslinks through thesilicon atom of the silane. The functional groups of thefluoroalkylsilane can be, for example, chloro, acyloxy (R--COO--),alkenoxy (CH₂ ═C(R)O--), alkoxy (R--O--), dialkylamino (R₂ N--), oralkyliminoxy (R₂ C═N--O--) groups, wherein R represents an alkyl moiety.In a currently preferred embodiment of the invention X is chloro. Aspecific example of a suitable difunctional fluoroalkylsilane istridecafluoro-1,1,2,2- tetrahydroocytyl-1-methyldichlorosilane. Thismaterial is available from United Chemical of Piscataway, N.J.

It is currently preferred that the poly(DMS-FAS) polymer have onlydimethyl and fluoroalkylsiloxane subunits; however, the poly(DMS-FAS)polymer can have a small percentage of other subunits, as long asphysical characteristics of the resulting fuser member remainsubstantially unchanged. For example, some dimethyl subunits could bereplaced by other dialkyl, such as diethyl. Similarly, a small amount ofdifunctional non-fluorinated alkylsilane could be added. The addition ofmore than a negligible amount of polyfunctional dimethylsiloxane orpolyfunctional silane is undesirable, since the resulting poly(DMS-FAS)would form a relatively highly crosslinked network. Linear orsubstantially linear poly(DM-FAS) is highly preferred.

The poly(DMS-FAS) polymer is cured by condensation-crosslinking withpolyfunctional silane to produce the cured polymer of the invention. Thepolyfunctional silane has at least two groups, and preferably more thantwo groups, that are functional to condense with the hydroxy end groupsof the Structure (I) polymers to thereby create siloxane crosslinksthrough the silicon atom of the silane. Examples of suitable functionalgroups for the polyfunctional silanes are the same as those discussedabove in relation to the difunctional fluoroalkylsilanes: for example,chloro, acyloxy (R--COO--), alkenoxy (CH₂ ═C(R)O--), alkoxy (R--O--),dialkylamino (R₂ N--), or alkyliminoxy (R₂ C═N--O--) groups, wherein Rrepresents an alkyl moiety. Specific examples of suitable polyfunctionalsilanes include: methyltrimethoxysilane, tetraethoxysilane,methyltripropenoxysilane, methyltriacetoxysilane, methyltris(butanoneoxime)silane, and methyltris(diethylamino)silane.

In di- or poly-functional silanes having alkoxy functional groups, thecondensation crosslinking reaction is carried out with the aid of acatalyst, such as, for example, a titanate, chloride, oxide, orcarboxylic acid salt of zinc, tin, iron, or lead. Some specific examplesof suitable catalysts are zinc octoate, dibutyltin diacetate, ferricchloride, and lead dioxide.

A composition of matter of the invention includes the cured polymer andmetal oxide particles. In a non-critical use, for example as a generalpurpose seal or as a bumper or cushion on a small article, the selectionof the metal oxide is not critical, as long as the oxide does notinterfere with the condensation reaction. The percentage of metal oxidecan be varied widely as long as roughly acceptable mechanical propertiesare maintained, for example, a bumper can have a broad range ofacceptable hardnesses, but it should not readily break into pieces orflow out of position.

The cured polymers and metal oxide filled cured polymers of theinvention are prepared, as indicated in the above explanation, by twoseparate condensation crosslinking steps. In the first, dimethylsiloxaneis condensed with difunctional fluoroalkylsilane to produce a linear orsubstantially linear product. Suitable reaction conditions, catalystsand the like are well known to those skilled in the art. The resultingpoly(DMS-FAS) is purified to hydrolyze any unreacted chlorosilane andremove unreacted starting materials and other contaminants, bytechniques well known to those skilled in the art. The poly(DMS-FAS) isthen mixed with filler, if any, and polyfunctional silane and curedunder suitable conditions also well known to those skilled in the art.

For the purposes of the base cushion layer of the fuser member of theinvention, it is highly desirable to provide a cured polymer of theinvention that is resistant to deformation and hardening under cylicstress. In a currently preferred embodiment of the invention, tin oxideparticles comprise from 20 to 40 percent of the total volume of the basecushion layer. Concentrations less than 20 volume percent may notprovide the degree of stability desired to the layer. Concentrationsgreater than 40 volume percent will render the layer too hard to providethe desired area of contact with the toner-bearing receiver sheet.

The tin oxide particles can be obtained from any convenient commercialsource, e.g., Magnesium Electron, Inc. of Flemington, N.J. The particlesize does not appear to be critical. Particle sizes anywhere in therange of 0.1 to 100 micrometers have been found to be acceptable. In theexamples presented below the tin oxide particles were from 1 to 40micrometers in diameter.

The tin oxide filler particles are mixed with the Structure (I) polymerand polyfunctional silane prior to curing the mix on a fuser member coreto form the base cushion layer.

In cases where it is intended that the fuser member be heated by aninternal heater, it is desirable that the base cushion layer have arelatively high thermal conductivity, so that the heat can beefficiently and quickly transmitted toward the outer surface of thefuser member that will contact the toner intended to be fused. Tin oxidefiller particles increase the thermal conductivity of thecondensation-crosslinked poly(DMS-FAS) base cushion layer.

Fuser members in accordance with the invention can also have one or moreother layers over the base cushion layer, if desired. This allows onenot to be concerned with the wear-resistance and toner-releaseproperties of the base cushion layer. Properties such asabrasion-resistance and the ability to fuse toner without having some ofthe toner adhere to the fuser member and be pulled away from thereceiver sheet as it exits the nip of the rolls, can be provided by suchother layer or layers over the base cushion layer, as is well known inthe art.

In some fusing systems a release oil, such as a PDMS oil, is continuallyprovided and coated over the outermost surface of the fuser memberduring use, in order to aid the roll in releasing from the toner itcontacts during the fusing operation. The tin filled,condensation-crosslinked poly(DMS-FAS) base cushion layer of the fusermember of the invention is substantially resistant to swelling. If evenless swelling is desired, materials for one or more layers over the basecushion layer can be chosen to provide a barrier that prevents releaseoil from coming into contact with the base cushion layer, as is alsowell known in the art.

For description of other layers and materials therefor that can beusefully provided over fuser member base cushion layers, see, forexample, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,375,505; 4,430,406; 4,501,482; and 4,853,737.In some specific embodiments of the present invention, the base cushionlayer has one other layer thereover, which is an oil-barrier layercomprising poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene), a materialcommercially available, for example, from DuPont, U.S.A., under thetrademark, Viton A. In some other specific embodiments, there are twolayers over the base cushion layer, e.g., an oil-barrier layer and,thereover, an outermost layer that provides good wear-resistance andtoner-release properties, comprising, for example, avinyl-addition-crosslinked poly(DMS-FAS) having silica and titaniafillers dispersed therein, such as is commercially available fromDow-Corning, U.S.A., under the trademark, Silastic E.

Usually, the other layer or layers, when employed, are flexible butthinner than the base cushion layer, so that the base cushion layer canprovide the desired resilience to the fuser member, and the other layerscan flex to conform to that resilience without having to be resilientthemselves. The thickness of the base cushion layer and other layerswill be chosen with consideration of the requirements of the particularapplication intended. For example, base cushion layer thicknesses in therange from 0.6 to 5.0 mm have been found to be appropriate for variousapplications. In some embodiments of the present invention, the basecushion layer is about 2.5 mm thick, and any oil-barrier and/orwear-resistant toner-release layers thereover are each about 25 to 30micrometers thick.

The core of the fuser member is selected to provide a finished articlehaving a desired configuration, such as a roll or plate or belt, and adesired set of physical characteristics. For example, the core of afuser roll is usually cylindrical in shape. It comprises any rigid metalor plastic substance. Metals are preferred when the fuser member is tobe internally heated, because of their generally higher thermalconductivity. Suitable core materials include, e.g., aluminum, steel,various alloys, and polymeric materials such as thermoset resins, withor without fiber reinforcement. The core can be a support which has beenconversion coated and primed with metal alkoxide primer in accordancewith a U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,821 filed by Allen Kass, Oct. 21, 1993,entitled "FUSING MEMBER FOR ELECTROSTATOGRAPHIC REPRODUCING APPARATUSAND METHOD FOR PREPARING FUSING MEMBER"; the specification of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein.

To form the base cushion layer of a fuser member in accordance with theinvention, the Structure (I) polymer, a slight excess of thestoichiometric amount of multifunctional silane to form crosslinks withall the hydroxy end groups of the Structure-(I) polymer, and theappropriate amount of tin oxide filler can be thoroughly mixed on athree-roll mill. If a catalyst is necessary, it is then added to the mixwith thorough stirring. The mix is then degassed and injected into amold surrounding the fuser member core to mold the material onto thecore. The covered core remains in the mold for a time sufficient forsome crosslinking to occur (e.g., 18 hours). The covered roll is thenremoved from the mold and heated to accelerate the remainingcrosslinking. The other layer or layers are then coated thereover by anyappropriate method.

The invention is further illustrated by the following Examples andComparative Examples.

EXAMPLE 1

Part 1

Preparation of Poly (6 mole % Fluorosiloxane/94 Mole % Dimethylsiloxane)

Poly(DMS-FAS) having x=94 and y=6 as defined in Structure I was preparedby combining in a 3 liter three necked round bottom flask equipped witha mechanical stirrer, reflux condenser, and argon inlet: tetrahydrofuran(500 mL); silanol terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) having an averagemolecular weight of 4200 marketed as PS341 by United Chemical (401grams, 96 mmol); and triethylamine (13.3 mL, 96 mmol).Tridecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetrahydrooctyl-1-methyldichlorosiloane (22 grams,48 mmol) marketed as T2491 by United Chemical, was dissolved intetrahydrofuran (200 mL). The fluorinated dichlorosilane solution wasadded dropwise to the previously described reaction mixture withstirring over a period of 3 hours. The resulting slightly viscous, whitesolution was stirred for 72 hours and then the precipitate was allowedto settle before filtering the reaction mixture through a coarse frittedfunnel. The clear solution was then washed with water to hydrolyzeunreacted chloride and remove salt. That washing was in a separatoryfunnel, four times, using two liters of water each time. The product wasthen concentrated by rotary evaporation. The resulting poly(DMS-FAS)(351 grams) had a number average molecular weight of 5670 and a weightaverage molecular weight of 16,500. Elemental analysis gave actualvalues of C=32.21, H=7.55, and F=3.41. This compares to theoreticalvalues of C=32, H=7.7, and F=3.4.

Part 2

Cured Poly(6 Mole % Fluorosiloxane/94 Mole % Dimethylsiloxane) Having 30Vol % Tin Oxide

Sample slabs of cured tin oxide filled poly(DMS-FAS) were prepared bycombining the poly(DMS-FAS) product of Part 1 (130.77 grams),tetraethoxysilane (1.57 grams) and particulate tin oxide (417 grams) ona three roll mill and then stirring dibutyltin diacetate catalyst (4.58grams) into the mix. A slab was then formed and allowed to cure.

The storage modulus determination was done in accordance with the methodof calculation described in Fitzgerald, et al., "The Effect of CyclicStress on the Physical Properties of a Poly(dimethylsiloxane)Elastomer", Polymer Engineering and Science, Vol. 32, No. 18 (September1992), pp. 1350-1357. Circular disks (12 mm diameter) were cut from theslab. Six of the circular disks were stacked, one upon the other,weighed, and then placed in a test instrument called a Mechanical EnergyResolver (also referred to herein as an "MER"), commercially availablefrom Instrumentors, Inc. Strongsville, Ohio, U.S.A. The instrumentheated the stack to 218° C. and imposed a static compressive force of 8kg on the stack. The length of the stack under the initial compressiveforce was then measured, as was the initial hardness (expressed in termsof "Initial storage modulus"). The MER then imposed cyclic stress on thesample stack by sinusoidally varying the initial compressive force by 4kg rms at a frequency of 30 Hz for 60 hours, while maintaining the 218°C. temperature. After 60 hours, the final hardness ("Final storagemodulus") and length of the six-disk stack under the static 8 kgcompressive force were measured, as was the final weight of the samplestack. Results of these tests are presented in FIG. 1 and Table 1.

A fuser member in accordance with the invention could be prepared asfollows. The outer surface of a rigid cylindrical aluminum core would bescrubbed clean, rinsed with hot water, and dried. To this core would beapplied a thin layer of primer (obtainable commercially from GeneralElectric Co., U.S.A., under the trade designation S54044) using a brushand then drying in ambient air (room temperature) for one hour.

The base cushion layer formulation described above would then beinjected into a mold surrounding the core to mold the base cushion layerto the core. The material would then be left in the mold at roomtemperature for 18 hours. The covered roll would then be removed fromthe mold, allowed to stand for 2 days, then heated slowly up to atemperature of 232° C. over 18 hours, and then maintained at 232° C. foranother 18 hours to complete the crosslinking. The resultant basecushion layer would have a thickness of about 2.5 mm. An oil-barrierlayer comprising poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)(obtainable commercially from DuPont, U.S.A., under the trademark, VitonA) could then be coated to a thickness of about 25 micrometers on thebase cushion layer to yield the final fuser member.

EXAMPLE 2

30 Vol % Tin Oxide/Poly(13 Mole % Fluorosiloxane/87 Mole %Dimethylsiloxane)

This example was prepared in substantially the same manner as Example 1,with the following exceptions. The poly(DMS-FAS) was prepared using:silanol terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (401 grams, 0.229 mmol) havingan average molecular weight of 1500 to 2000, marketed as PS340.5 byUnited Chemical; triethylamine (36.0 mL, 0.228 mol) and T2491fluoroalkylsilane (81.8 grams, 0,177 mol). Elemental analysis of thePoly(DMS-FAS) product gave C=31.42, H=7.00, and F=7.72. This compares totheoretical values of C=32, H=7.0, and F=7.9. The poly(DMS-FAS) wascured and results are presented in FIG. 2 and Table 1.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE A

30 Vol % Aluminum Oxide/6 Mole % Fluorosiloxane/94 Mole %Dimethylsiloxane

Sample circular disks were prepared and tested as described in Example1, except that the samples contained 30 vol % particulate aluminum oxidefiller, instead of the 30 vol. % tin oxide particulate filler employedin Example 1. Results are presented in FIG. 3 and Table 1.

The aluminum oxide filled material of Comparative Example A, exhibitedmuch more weight loss and creep (change in length), but less change instorage modulus, than the tin oxide filled material of Example 1.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE B

30 Vol % Tin Aluminum oxide/13 Mole % Fluorosiloxane/87 Mole %Dimethylsiloxane

Sample circular disks were prepared and tested as in Comparative ExampleA, except that the polymer used was 13 mole % fluorosiloxane and 87 mole% dimethylsiloxane. Results are presented in FIG. 4 and Table 1. Resultswere comparable to those of Comparative Example A.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE C

30 Vol % Aluminum Oxide: 100% Polydimethylsiloxane

Sample slabs of filled condensation-crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS) elastomer were prepared by mixing silanol-terminated PDMS havinga weight average molecular weight of about 18,000 and was obtainedcommercially from Huls America of Piscataway, N.J., under the tradedesignation PS3425; 3.22 vol. % (1.02 wt %) TEOS crosslinking agent;30.00 vol % (78.87 wt %) aluminum oxide particles; and 0.23 vol. % (0.11wt %) dibutyltin diacetate catalyst on a three roll mill; and thenstirring dibutyltin diacetate catalyst into the mix. The formulation wasdegassed and injected into a mold to cure for 48 hours at 25° C. and 50%relative humidity. The resultant slab was removed from the mold andfurther cured in an air-circulating oven for 16 hours at 205° C.Circular disks were cut and tested substantially as described in Example1.

The aluminum oxide filled PDMS material of Comparative Example C wasmuch more unstable under conditions of elevated temperature and cyclicstress than the tin oxide filled material of Example 1, exhibiting muchmore weight loss, change in storage modulus, and creep (change inlength).

EXAMPLE 3 AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE C

A slab of cured polymer was prepared substantially as described inExample 2 and Comparative Example B, respectively. Resistance to fusingoil induced swelling was determined by placing a sample of theelastomers in contact with 350 centistoke polydimethylsiloxane oil at atemperature of 175° C. for 7 days. The tin oxide filled elastomer ofExample 3 a 1.6% increase in size. This compares to a 3.7% increase insize for the aluminum oxide filled elastomer of Comparative Example C.

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                                                  Change                                                     Initial  Final     in     Change                                       Ex or  storage  storage   storage                                                                              in      Weight                               Comp   modulus  modulus   modulus                                                                              length  loss                                 Ex     (MPa)    (MPa)     (%)    (%)     (%)                                  ______________________________________                                        Ex 1   7.672    9.489     23.7    4.1    0.66                                 Ex 2   7.485    10.367    38.5   12.3    1.32                                 Comp   3.333    2.971     10.9   59.7    9.31                                 Ex A                                                                          Comp   2.568    3.055     19.0   65.0    7.41                                 Ex B                                                                          ______________________________________                                    

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference tocertain preferred embodiments thereof, but it should be appreciated thatvariations and modifications can be effected within the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition of matter comprising a crosslinkedpolymer having chains of the general structure: ##STR5## wherein R¹ isfluoroalkyl having from about 1 to 18 carbons and from about 3 to 37fluorine atoms;R² is alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbons; x/y is from about99:1 to 70:30; and n is an integer such that said chains have a numberaverage molecular weight of from 1×10³ to 1×10⁶ ; said chains beingcrosslinked by condensed polyfunctional silane moieties.
 2. Thecomposition of matter of claim 1 further comprising a particulate metaloxide dispersed in said crosslinked polymer.
 3. The composition ofmatter of claim 1 wherein said metal oxide is tin oxide.
 4. Thecomposition of matter of claim 1 wherein R¹ has the general structure:

    --(CF.sub.2).sub.d --CF.sub.3

wherein d is from 3 to
 5. 5. The composition of matter of claim 4wherein d is
 5. 6. The composition of matter of claim 4 wherein R² ismethyl.
 7. The composition of matter of claim 4 wherein x/y is fromabout 98:2 to 80:20.
 8. The composition of matter of claim 4 wherein x/yis from 94:6 to 87:13.
 9. A method for preparing a cured polymercomprising the steps of:condensation crosslinking a difunctional silanolterminated dimethylsiloxane oligomer or polymer and a difunctionalfluroalkylsilane to produce a poly(dimethylsiloxane-fluoroalkylsilane);mixing polyfunctional silane with saidpoly(dimethylsiloxane-fluoroalkylsilane); condensation crosslinking curesaid poly(dimethylsiloxane-fluoroalkylsilane) and said polyfunctionalsilane.
 10. The method of claim 9 further comprising isolating saidpoly(dimethylsiloxane-fluoroalkylsilane).
 11. The method of claim 9wherein said fluoroalkylsilane has the general structure: ##STR6##wherein X is a functional group capable of condensing with a silanol,R¹is fluoroalkyl having from about 1 to 18 carbons and from about 3 to 37fluorine atoms, and R² is alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbons.
 12. Themethod of claim 11 wherein R¹ has the general structure:

    --(CF.sub.2).sub.d --CF.sub.3

wherein d is from 3 to
 5. 13. The method of claim 12 wherein d is
 5. 14.The method of claim 9 wherein R² is methyl.
 15. The method of claim 9wherein x/y is from about 98:2 to 80:20.
 16. The method of claim 9wherein x/y is from 94:6 to 87:13.
 17. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising before said mixing step the step of removing unreactedstarting materials.
 18. The method of claim 9, further comprising beforesaid mixing step the step of hydrolyzing unreacted chloride.